When we think about erogenous zones, we often just think of the more obvious areas like the genitals. But we actually can have erogenous zones all over our body. 

In this stream, sex educator Louise Bourchier gives us a tour of the erogenous zones: what they are, how to discover them, and how to pleasure them. 

“An erogenous zone is basically an area of sensitivity that can arouse a person, [that] can turn them on,” explains Bourchier. "It's a part of the body that is sexually sensitive or is wired in some kind of way that when it's touched in the right way, by the right person in the right context — it can create sexual arousal and desire and sexual sensation.” 

Our primary erogenous zones are the genitals, but any other part of the body we find arousing when touched the right way are our secondary erogenous zones. Erogenous zones can vary from person to person, but we can make some generalizations about which body parts tend to be most sexually arousing.  For example, people often like their hair and head stroked, or their neck or earlobes touched, nibbled, or licked. Of course it depends on the giver and receiver. Sometimes your ears feel erogenous with one person, but not with another. A more common erogenous zone is the lips and mouth since they are used for kissing and oral sex. The butt is another one people may  enjoy being touched, grabbed, caressed, kissed, or spanked. The breast area and nipples can be very erogenous for female-identifying people. Some can orgasm just from having their nipples stimulated. 

To find out someone’s erogenous zones, communicate. Ask them what they’re into, or ask if something is turning them on while touching a part of their body. Perhaps their armpit is a super erogenous zone, or their sides around the ribcage. Maybe they love having their hands and fingers touches, kissed, and sucked. Maybe they want you to kiss their back, smack their ass, or give them a foot massage. You will never know unless you do some talking and exploring.

“Everybody is different in their erotic mapping, and part of the fun of the partnership is finding what works for a different partner,” says Bourchier.  

Now, let’s talk a little about the primary erogenous zones — the genitals. The genitals have the most nerve endings (the clitoris has 8,000 and the penis glans has 4,000), so it’s no wonder most people like those areas touched. Rubbing the hood of the clit with fingers, a toy, tongue, or something else can feel great, And because much of the clitoris is internal, rubbing just above, below, or the sides of it may do it for you, too. The G-spot is another erogenous zone that can give you a different type of orgasm than a clitoral orgasm. It’s located inside the vagina, near the front. Some people like it stimulated, others not so much. 

Everyone likes different things, and that’s because your brain is also a primary erogenous zone. Your brain has the power to activate different parts of your body and interpret sensations in different ways. Of course no two brains are alike, so your erogenous zones could be completely different from anything mentioned here. The only way to find out is to do some exploring. Have fun!